Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
A Jesuit university in Colombia founded in 1623.
via Wikipedia: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana · see source
The Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Xavierian Pontifical University) is a private university in Colombia founded in 1623. Directed by the Society of Jesus, it is one of the oldest and most traditional Colombian universities, with its main campus in Bogotá and a second campus in Cali. Known as 'La Javeriana' by its students, it has traditionally educated the Colombian upper class. It is one of the 33 universities entrusted to the Society of Jesus in Latin America and one of 167 around the world.
- founded
- 1623
- type
- Private, Jesuit
- location
- Bogotá and Cali, Colombia
- global_ranking_2023
- #382 (QS World University Rankings)
- campus_size
- 445 acres (1.80 km²) in Bogotá
- undergraduate_programs
- 46
- graduate_programs
- 179
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The university's roots go back to the College of the Society of Jesus, established in Santafé de Bogotá in 1604 as part of the San Bartolome School and Cloister. In 1623, the Audience and the Archbishop recognized the academic degrees conferred by the college, marking the origin of the University and Academy of Saint Francis Xavier. Students at that time received their degree, including Pedro Claver. In 1767, the Jesuits were expelled from the Spanish colonies, closing the first stage of Universidad Javeriana's history. Then, 163 years after the university closed, an act of restoration was signed. In 1937, the School of Economics and Legal Sciences was founded, with the others following. In 1970, after multiple petitions from the community of Pance, Cali, the university started a program in that city. The Universidad Javeriana in Cali took the name of 'Cali Branch', offering degrees in business, engineering, and psychology.
Reader's Guide
The Pontificia Universidad Javeriana is one of the twelve universities in Colombia having a high-quality institutional accreditation, granted to it for eight years by Resolution 1320, 12 June 2003, of the Ministry of National Education. The Bogotá campus has 18 schools comprising 61 departments and 242 academic programs, with 45 buildings in 445 acres (1.80 km2). The Cali campus offers 18 schools in four faculties. The university has 21 undergraduate programs with high-quality accreditation, and eight programs in advanced stages of the accreditation process. It has over 87 graduate programs. According to the QS World University Rankings in 2023, the university was ranked #382 globally, #18 in Latin America, and #3 in Colombia. Its Law School recently received a high-quality accreditation by Resolution 6808 on 6 August 2010, from the Ministry of National Education. The university offers 46 undergraduate programs and 179 graduate programs including 94 professional specializations, 45 medical and surgical specializations, 8 dentistry specializations, 72 masters, and 13 PhDs.
Did You Know?
- The university originated from the College of the Society of Jesus established in Santafé de Bogotá in 1604, with academic degrees recognized in 1623.
- Saint Pedro Claver received his degree from the university's early incarnation, the University and Academy of Saint Francis Xavier.
- The Jesuits were expelled from Spanish colonies in 1767, closing the university for 163 years until an act of restoration was signed.
- The Bogotá campus has 45 buildings, 18 cafeterias, a hospital, and a parking block building with 1200 parking spaces.
- The Cali campus includes sectional divisions of the Bolsa de Valores de Colombia (BVC) and Temple University's Fox School of Business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pontificia Universidad Javeriana?
It is a private, Jesuit-affiliated university based in Colombia, commonly called 'La Javeriana' by its student body. The institution operates two main campuses, one in Bogotá and another in Cali.
Who directs or governs Pontificia Universidad Javeriana?
The Society of Jesus has guided the university since its founding in 1623, making it one of 33 Jesuit-run institutions across Latin America. Its governance structure reflects that long-standing religious affiliation.
Where are Pontificia Universidad Javeriana's campuses located?
The primary campus is in Bogotá, covering roughly 445 acres of land, while a second campus serves students in Cali. Together they host the university's 46 undergraduate programs.
How old is Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and why does that matter?
Established in 1623, it is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in Colombia. Its more than four centuries of academic history make it a defining pillar of the country's educational tradition.
What is Pontificia Universidad Javeriana's global ranking?
In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, it was placed at number 382 worldwide. The school has long been a go-to choice for Colombia's upper-class families seeking a prestigious higher-education experience.
More in Education & Schools 1-24
Elsewhere in the Education & Schools universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record